Resolution Success 2012

So, you can imagine as a coach I love New Year; reflection, vision, goals, planning, it is an exciting time!

It certainly makes sense to use the mark of a passing year to reflect and the crisp start of the new year to plan what we most want next. In fact it is one of the oldest traditions dating back to Ancient Rome 4000 years ago. Marked by Janus the God of new beginnings with the ability to look both forward and back simultaneously and January's namesake.

Many people make great use of this time and set goals and make meaningful resolutions for the coming year. It seems we often discount resolutions commonly assuming most people do not stick with them and that is true; most don't . But what is also true is that people more successfully create meaningful change starting with a new years resolution than at a non-new year time. Studies show by June 46% of the resolute are still ontrack and that 19% are successful at the two year post resolution anniversary. Resoutions work if made properly and taken seriously. Let's face it; all positive change can work under the right parameters with the right amount of effort of course.

Tips For Successful Resolutions in 2012

Know What You Want: This is always the most crucial part. Know clearly and specifically what you want and the outcome of that change. How will it impact your life? How will you feel once the change is made? Is it truly what you want rather than what someone else or society thinks you should want? These questions need honest answers so you may be clear if the stated goal is what you are really after. This also will provide the motive of why you want the change hence the motivation to get things done.

Be Realistic and Specific: Set resolutions and goals that are reasonable and attainable. If you have never run before the Boston Marathon this year is not likely a reasonable goal. However, committing to training three times a week and signing up for a 5k followed by a 10k may be realistic. Also, how exactly will you accomplish the goal? The more details the better as you make your plan of attack. Will you join a gym or running club, hire a trainer? How many and which days will you work toward your goal? How will you make room for that in your current schedule? This of course corresponds to any goal; plan the exact  details of how you will achieve a reasonably achievable goal. Most goals fail due to a failure to plan.

Write it Down and Say it Loud: Harvard researchers have proven that those who write out their goals are far more successful in achieving them than people who do not. Writing down goals adds a dimension of reality to them as well as a record to reference and reflect upon daily or weekly. Stating your resolution in public and sharing it also increases your chances of success. Not only does it make it more real, you gain some sense of accountability from those who know your plans. Accountability is very powerful, most people benefit greatly checking in with others and having someone to help keep them "honest "and offer support. This is so evident with the monumental success of AA or weight watchers programs for instance , it is also a component of coaching that is very helpful to many clients. Share your plans and illicit support.

Believe It to See It: We will rarely if ever achieve anything that we do not believe is possible for us. It is imperative that you have confidence in your ability to do what you set out to do. You must believe you are capable and be able to hold a vision of yourself accomplishing that goal. The vision we have of ourselves will always dictate what we can and cannot achieve. For many of us working on this inner vision of self is the first step to really moving ahead. Are there ideas that hold you back? Do you limit yourself unfairly or tend to engage in negative thinking or self criticism? These behaviors commonly hold even the most together people back in some way. If they are present identify and address them now.

Be Resolute: Purposeful, unwavering and determined. Make a commitment to your resolution to do it; not try: do. Keep in mind that the first 30 days will typically be the hardest. It takes time, at least 30 days to develop new habits and behavior patterns remind yourself that as Goethe said " everything is hard before it is easy". This is when it is vital to commit to your goal but more importantly to recommit hourly if necessary to it and stick with the plan. If you do slip, which is perfectly normal, do not allow yourself to use a slip for an excuse to quit. One cookie does not ruin a healthy eating plan and one day that you miss the gym is no reason not to return. Be committed and prepared to recommit as often as necessary to achieve your goals and you will. One of the most important qualities for achievement of any type is the ability to work diligently, patiently and persistently toward what you want and you will get there before you know it.

Best wishes for a new year of creating a life you love in 2012!